Equine Health - Skin Conditions
Common Skin Problems in Horses and How to Treat Them
Oct 23, 2009 Elizabeth Humphreys
Skin conditions and problems are common in stabled horses and even in unstabled horses. Horses with skin problems usually only have mild symptoms, however chronic and/or severe symptoms of skin problems in equines must be addressed. These are some of the most common skin problems in equines, along with the appropriate treatment and guide as to when to call a vet.
Ringworm
What it is: A fungal infection of the skin which feeds primarily on keratin in the horse’s coat.
Symptoms: Dry, flaky skin in patches with some hair loss. The skin is not usually tender to touch or unusually itchy. Raised bumps are not associated with ringworm, neither is redness of the skin. These patches are usually localized, however in severe cases the fungal infection may spread to other parts of the body.
Veterinary Assistance: A vet should be called, but it is not urgent. Treatment for Ringworm can be done at home, however a veterinarian’s advice might be sought as to the type of antifungal treatment needed. A vet can also advise as to whether it is necessary to disinfect the stables, tack and other areas of the farm in order to protect other livestock.
Treatment: The treatment for ringworm is simple but labor intensive. The horse must be clipped to prevent the fungus from feeding on the abundant supply of keratin which is available in a long coat. Clipping a horse also helps the area dry and exposes the skin to the sun’s UVA rays. Fungus thrives in damp conditions so a dry coat is ideal.
The horse must be washed with an antifungal shampoo (this can be recommended by a vet) and dried. As stated above dryness is important. This should be done every day until the symptoms are gone. The horse should be kept in dry and well ventilated conditions.
Rain Rot and Mud Fever
What it is:
A actinomycetes (an organism which behaves like both a bacteria and a fungus, see http://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthRainRot.shtml) infection which affects various parts of the horse’s body, particularly the back, rump and lower legs (on the lower legs it is often called Mud Fever).
Symptoms:Dozens of small scabs which can be removed with little discomfort to the horse (it can be painful to remove but not always) and which reveal pink pussy skin beneath. The skin can be inflamed and the skin below the scabs is often raised up in a bump.
Veterinary Assistance:
A vet should be called to rule out other similar skin conditions and to prescribe an appropriate antimicrobial shampoo. These can also be bought over the counter at any local tack shop, however a vet’s opinion should be sought as this condition is extremely contagious.
Treatment:The horse should be clipped, much as in the case for Ringworm, because Rain Rot dies in dry conditions when oxygen is present. As many scabs as possible should be removed because they essentially protect the Rain Rot organism from the outside world. The horse should be isolated from all other horses (even others which have Rain Rot because they can pass it back and forth to each other) and all of the horse’s tack and anything which touched the horse should be sterilized. The infected horse should then be washed with an antimicrobial shampoo every day until the condition is completely gone.
Equine Allergies
What it is:An allergic reaction to a particular food or outside stimulant which is manifested in the skin.
Symptoms:Many inflamed bumps varying in size and close together. These can be localized or all over the body. They are not usually tender, sore or itchy.
Veterinary Assistance:
Allergic reactions vary in intensity and in emergency. If the horse is comfortable then a vet does not need to be called immediately, however if the conditions persists a vet should be called to rule out other problems and/or to identify the allergy. If the horse is uncomfortable than a vet should be called immediately because the horse could be experiencing a severe reaction to something or the symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Treatment:
A soothing shampoo like Tea Tree or Aloe Vera can be used to make the horse more comfortable but the only long term solution is identifying the allergen and eliminating it from the horse’s environment.
A Horse With Ring Worm on it's Face
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